FICTION OFFERS US A MAP. . .

. . . if we're brave enough to follow it.

This excerpt from Annabel Monaghan’s novel, Nora Goes Off Script, is one of those moments where readers might roll their eyes and say, “That’s fiction, not reality,” or “Stuff like that doesn’t happen in real life.” But here’s the thing—it does. Every year, 30-50 people win an Oscar. Sure, that’s a tiny fraction of the global population, but it’s not impossible. Someone has to win. So why not you?

The real question is: why are we so quick to dismiss a character’s extraordinary path as unattainable for ourselves? Why do we assume certain things—whether it’s winning an Oscar, starting a successful business, or simply chasing a long-buried dream—aren’t meant for us?

Many years ago, I arranged an informational interview with a former coworker who had just landed a new job. Over coffee, she casually told me, “Oh, X company is a destination job.” Translation: She got there, but there’s no way I ever would. In that moment I made a promise to myself not to gate keep other people’s dreams. It’s never our job to deny others’ passage on the metaphorical boat when there’s clearly more room aboard.

Here's the truth: people get movies produced. They get nominated for awards. They win. And yes, some of them wake up in the Beverly Hills Hotel as Oscar nominees. Fiction doesn’t just remind us of these possibilities—it invites us to explore them. It nudges us to think bigger, dream beyond the boundaries of our own perceived limits, and imagine alternate realities where anything is possible.

So, the next time you read about a character achieving something extraordinary, don’t dismiss it with “that’s just fiction.” Instead, ask yourself: What’s my big dream? Have I assumed that dream isn’t possible for me? Have I internalized societal or self-imposed expectations that are holding me back?

If you believed more was possible—if you let yourself dream without boundaries—what would you want? And what small step would you take today to move closer to that dream? It doesn’t have to be about winning an Oscar (though, hey, if that’s your thing, go for it). Maybe your dream is starting a cookie business out of your kitchen. Maybe it’s writing a book, traveling the world, or simply carving out time to paint again. Whatever it is, fiction offers us a map, if we’re brave enough to follow it. Characters often embody courage, curiosity, and resilience, inspiring us to explore our own potential if we allow it to happen.

Stories aren’t just entertainment. They’re permission slips to reimagine our lives. They nurture hope, curiosity, and the belief that we can break free from norms and expectations. Every story we read is an invitation to rewrite our own.

As for me, I didn’t apply for that so-called “destination job.” My life went in a different direction. But I’ll never forget that conversation—it’s become a kind of mental fuel for the moments I start to doubt myself. After all, someone has to live those “fictional” lives we read about. Why not us?

And who knows? Maybe someday I’ll wake up at the Beverly Hills Hotel, too. Whether it’s for an Oscar -or- because I accidentally booked the wrong Marriott (or one of my characters did).

 

Now it’s time for your story in the making . . .

Here are two journal prompts to use after reading and reflecting:

1. If you could set aside all doubts, societal expectations, or perceived limitations, what is one "impossible" dream you would pursue? Write about what it would look and feel like to achieve it, and brainstorm one small step you could take toward that dream today.

2. Think of a story, book, or character that inspired you to imagine a life beyond your current reality. What about their journey resonated with you? How can you use their story as a guide to rethink your own goals or aspirations?

 

Looking for a new journal for these prompts? I've created a few that you might like. Check out my hand-drawn journal and notebook collections HERE.